As Colorado wildfire rages, residents help animals find refuge

Smoke from the Black Forest Fire fills the air in a pasture near Colorado Springs, Colo.

Smoke from the Black Forest Fire fills the air in a pasture near Colorado Springs, Colo. (Chris Schneider/Getty Images)

Jenny Deam

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. -- The Black Forest fire in Colorado has taken a toll on more than just humans.

On Thursday, in a horse stall miles from danger, a gray stallion pokes his head through the bars looking for treats and affection. Firefighters found him running loose Wednesday, covered with burns, presumably after being showered by hot embers.

The horse’s real name is unknown but for now he is called “Phoenix,” after the mythical bird that rose from the ashes.

“He’s just the sweetest thing,” said Nancy Devaney, her voice breaking as she strokes his muzzle.

He is one of dozens of animals rescued from the fire’s path and taken to the Twisted Trail Farm in Castle Rock where Devaney and her husband are managers.

There are cows, chickens, cats, dogs, sheep, goats, even a pot-bellied pig and an alpaca. Nearly all the animals came from the Black Forest Animal Sanctuary that was in the evacuation zone but had no place to go.

Devaney saw the smoke Tuesday and called the sanctuary, worried about the animals. She knows that they oftenget left behind in evacuations. She took as many horses as she could load and put the word out that her place was available. Trucks and trailers lined up and soon a Noah’s Ark of sorts was born.

By Thursday morning the small farm was teeming with volunteers willing to muck stalls and strangers laden with animal feed. Grocery and pet stores along with area restaurants wanted to donate or help. Notes were posted on a board about calls coming in from ranches and farms willing to shelter animals.

Volunteers were reminded that the animals had been traumatized and were still frightened. Dr. Lynn Roberts, a veterinarian from Sedalia, said many of them had suffered smoke inhalation and stress. Pheonix’s burns were minor and he was expected to recover, she said.

Devaney said someone called Thursday to claim him, but will have to prove ownership. She got calls that three more horses, all with burns, were on their way.

When people evacuated, many were unable to get their horses and other large animals out, she said. Some resorted to spray painting their phone numbers on the horses’ coats and turning them loose. Firefighters have also reported cutting fences to let trapped animals escape.

Ann Clark, a horse owner in Elbert County who is not covered by the evacuation order, showed up at the farm with an offer of hay and a willingness to do whatever job was needed. She couldn’t help but think of her own horses. She understands the desperation of the spray paint and would do the same if she couldn’t get hers out. “I’d rather have them have a fighting chance.”

It is not known how many animals have been injured or have perished in the fire.